11 Clever DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

Gifts As Visual Masterpieces

You spend a lot of time and put a lot of thought into choosing the perfect gifts for your loved ones, so it only seems fitting to wrap those gifts in beautiful paper. Turn your gifts into a visual masterpiece with a few unique ideas.

Note: Several projects are not suitable for children and should be done with caution to prevent injury. For projects noted for kids, parental supervision is advised.

Stamped Gift Wrap

Use a rubber stamp to create your own wrapping paper.

Start with brown craft, tissue, or non-gloss, plain wrapping paper.

Use a rubber stamp to create a scene or pattern on the paper. Use a variety of colored ink pads and stamps for a scene or a single stamp and color in a pattern.

Use a coordinating ribbon to complete the look. For something more decorative, use adornments that coordinate with the stamp theme. For instance, if you have covered your paper with pine tree stamps, use real pine cones to adorn your gifts.

If you can't find the stamp you want, make your own out of foam following easy instructions.

Chalkboard Wrapping Paper

The chalkboard craze has been going strong for several years and shows no sign of fizzling out, so wrap your Christmas gifts in chalkboard paper.

Once you have wrapped your gift in this paper, use white or colored chalk to create personalized messages. No need to use gift tags because you can just write your recipients name right on the package.

You might also consider writing "Merry Christmas" or another message. Using colored chalk will give a more festive look. Add images like holly berries or snowflakes, if desired.

The chalk should not rub off if you are careful with your packages, but if you need to travel with them or ship the gifts, consider using a chalk pen. A chalk pen will give you the same effect as the chalk, but will not rub off from the paper.

Paper Punch Wrap

A layered paper punch wrap is a pretty way to add depth and dimension to your packages.

Start by wrapping your gift in a commercial wrapping paper. A colorful paper without definite images works best.

Use a paper hole punch to cut holes into brown craft paper. It is best to use a paper punch with a long neck so you can reach into the center of the paper. Use this idea on a smaller package, as punching holes into the center of a large piece of craft paper could be problematic.

Wrap the brown paper with holes in it over the colorfully wrapped package so the holes reveal the colored paper through the holes.

Add vivid ribbon to match the paper colors.

If you have shaped craft punches, consider using those for small packages. You could even create a star or tree shaped design using the punches, depending on your artistic skills.

Lego Gift Wrap

Do you have any major Lego fans on your gift list? Wrap their new Lego set in a fun, themed gift wrap.

To create this look wrap your gift in a solid colored paper. Red is a good choice for a Christmas gift, but other Lego colors such as blue or yellow could also work well.

Cut a round foam pool noodle into 2 inch sections. You will need to cut six pieces.

Wrap the noodles in the paper that matches the wrapped gift.

Use a hot glue gun to attach the pieces to the gift so that it resembles a Lego block.

If you find that the wrapping paper you are using won't cover the round pool noodles effectively, try using a colored plastic tablecloth.

Melted Crayon Wrapping Paper

To create this look, use a cheese grater to shave small pieces of colorful crayons onto a piece of brown craft paper.

Place a piece of wax paper above and underneath the paper before you use an iron, on the lowest setting, to melt the wax. Do not move the iron in a circular motion or you will run the risk of ripping the paper. The crayons should melt almost immediately.

Use red, green, and white crayons for a "Christmasy" look or use multiple colors for something more festive. You can use tissue paper instead of brown craft paper for a different look.

For safety reasons, this project should be done by adults.

Word Search Paper

Not only is this gift wrap adorable and unique, but it is also fun! You'll also be able to skip buying gift tags.

Use a word search generator website such as Discovery Education. Enter the number of letters you want per row which will determine the size of your puzzle. Forty letters by forty letters will print out on an 8.5 x 11 page. You will also enter in the unique words you want added to your puzzle.

Once you have completed your puzzle, you can print it.

This project is best used with a smaller gift since the paper size is limited. If you want to use this idea on a larger package, you can do so by following these steps.

Select the text option once the puzzle has been generated.

Highlight, copy and paste the text into a word processors such as Word.

Set the paper size to 11 x 17 or whatever size you want and copy the puzzle twice (or more) into your document. Save the puzzle to your computer and then take it to a printer who can print the puzzle into a larger size.

Use a red pen to circle key words or phrases such as "Merry Christmas" or the recipient's name.

Photo Wrapping Paper

Surprise the recipient by wrapping their gift using favorite photos from nature, trips, pets, or even him/herself! The project is best for small gifts.

Select your favorite photographs.

Turn the photos into digital files, if they are not already in digital form.

Open a photo editing program such as Microsoft Paint or Adobe Photoshop.

Start a new document in the desired size. Most home printers work best in an 8.5 x 11 format.

Arrange the photos so that they cover the whole page.

Save the file as a .jpg file onto your computer.

Print the paper and wrap your gift.

If you want to print a larger package you will have create a larger file and can take it to a professional printer.

If you don't want to create the paper yourself, let Parabo Press do it for you. Choose from a Risograph Print, B&W Engineer Print or a Color Engineer Print. Click "More Details" above the image to be taken to their website.

Paint Splatter Paper

Create a masterpiece similar to a beautiful Jackson Pollock art piece to wrap your gift in.

Lay a piece of large paper, such as butcher paper or plain wrapping paper, on the ground. It is best to do this project outdoors or with a tarp laid down beneath the paper.

Dip a paintbrush into acrylic paint and splatter it onto the paper. Use a contrasting color for the best effect. White or silver paint on black paper creates a dramatic look.

After you have achieved the desired look, allow the paint to dry.

This gift wrap is an easy project even kids can do that is sophisticated enough to use for your most elegant gift.

Polka Dot Wrapping Paper

This adorable and simple gift wrap makes a big visual impact.

Lay your craft or another paper flat.

Use a ruler and pencil to create a grid. Be sure to press lightly on the paper so you can erase the marks later.

Once your grid is created, dip a pencil eraser into white, silver, or gold acrylic paint.

Press the eraser on the paper, using the grid lines to help you space the polka dots out evenly.

Wrap the gift after the paint has dried.

Another way to create this wrap is to place paper hole reinforcers in a random pattern, then color in the centers of the circles with a gold paint pen. You can remove the reinforcers to leave the gold dot.

Doily Lace Gift Wrap

This wrap gives a Victorian look a modern update. Use doilies to create a lacy look that replicates the look of snowflakes.

Wrap your gift in brown craft paper or another plain paper.

Buy paper doilies from a party or dollar store.

Cut the centers of the doilies out or create another shape.

Glue the doilies onto the package.

For best results, wrap the doilies around the corners of the package. Place them diagonally before you glue them down, to be sure they are spaced evenly.

Painted Hand Print Paper

Wrap gifts in a memorable keepsake such as this delightful hand print paper.

Use a large piece of paper to create the wrap.

Dip hands into a shallow pan of tempera paint.

Press the hands onto the paper.

Repeat the process to create a pattern.

Allow the print to dry and wrap the gift.

This is the perfect wrap for grandparents' gifts!

These clever and festive ideas make your gifts look amazing. If you're not the perfect present wrapper, don't despair - follow an easy guide for wrapping Christmas presents and you'll have gorgeous gifts in no time!